Booking.com’s Call for Help Draws Dutch Outcry, Policy Rethink

The Dutch government plans to tighten the rules for businesses claiming coronavirus relief after one of the nation’s most successful tech companies was accused of seeking state aid while paying billions of dollars to shareholders.

Global travel site Booking.com drew an outcry from politicians and the media after Chief Executive Officer Glen Fogel told newspaper De Volkskrant on April 15 that it was applying for government help, and that layoffs are still likely. The company has around 5,500 employees in the Netherlands.

“Profit machine Booking.com raises its hand for state aid,” wrote financial daily Het Financieele Dagblad. Evening paper NRC ...